Hugh

Hugh

Posted by Mike on 12/28/06

Romney was on Human Events and Town Hall yesterday. Here is the link to the Hugh Hewitt transcript.

A blogger from the most conservative state in the country...

... Is now supporting the soon to be former governor of the most liberal state in the country...

http://idahoansformitt.wordpress.com/

He/she seems pretty cool.

Photos

This photo provided by the Massachusetts governors office shows Gov. Mitt Romney, left, meeting with a Massachusetts Army National Guard member assigned to Aviation Task Force, Camp Buehring, in Kuwait in this May 23, 2006 file photo, before visiting Iraq. (AP Photo/United States Air Force, Lt. Col. Martin Moerschell, File)

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks at fundraiser for the Republican Party of Orange County in Irvine Calif. in this June 17, 2005 file photo. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File)

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney gestures while speaking to a Republican Women's club in Concord, N.H. in this March 18, 2006 file photo. (AP Photo/Jim Cole, File)

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney gestures while speaking to the Republican's at the 4th annual Ronald Reagan Dinner in Des Moines, Iowa, in this Oct. 16, 2004 file photo. (AP Photo/Steve Pope, File)

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks during a holiday reception in Manchester, N.H., Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006. Romney will step down from office next month and is considered a possible 2008 presidential candidate. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney shakes hands with former state Speaker of the House Donna Sytek at a holiday reception in Manchester, N.H., Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006. Romney will step down from office next month and is considered a possible 2008 presidential candidate. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney greets guests at a holiday reception at a holiday reception in Manchester, N.H., Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006. Romney will step down from office next month and is considered a possible 2008 presidential candidate. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

http://news.search.yahoo.com/search/news?ei=UTF-8&p=mitt+romney&c=&fr=&c=news_photos

Yahoo News

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  Romney set for presidential announcement AP - Sat Dec 23, 12:21 AM ET

  BOSTON - Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is making plans for his campaign for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination in two phases early next month, a top adviser told The Associated Press on Friday.

Ted Haggard

What does Ted Gaggard think of Mitt Romney's Mormonism?

"Pastor Ted Haggard, [at the time] president of the National Association of Evangelicals (NEA) in Colorado Springs, CO said:

" 'We evangelicals view Mormons as a Christian cult group. A cult group is a group that claims exclusive revelation. And typically, it's hard to get out of these cult groups. And so Mormonism qualifies as that'."

http://www.religioustolerance.org/lds_crit.htm

He is more liberal than Mitt Romney, in that he supports civil unions for gays.

Although Haggard opposes same sex marriage, he has suggested that there should be civil unions for homosexual couples. <sup>[16]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Haggard#Teachings_on_homosexuality

Ted Haggart supports civil unions, while Mitt Romney, "</sup>When he ran for governor in 2002, Romney declared his opposition to both same-sex marriage and civil unions. ^[67] "Call me old fashioned, but I don't support gay marriage nor do I support civil union," said Romney in an October 2002 gubernatorial debate. He also voiced support for basic domestic partnership benefits for gay couples."

But their are other differences between Mitt Romney and Ted Haggard:

Sex and methamphetamine scandal

[edit] Allegations

On November 1, 2006, Mike Jones alleged that Haggard (whom Jones knew as "Art"; Haggard's middle name is Arthur) had paid for sex with him on an almost monthly basis over the previous three years. Jones contends the relationship was strictly physical, not emotional, and that he was typically paid a "couple of hundred dollars" but sometimes Haggard would pay him extra. ^[24] Jones also stated "[Haggard] had told me he loved snorting meth before [he] has sex with his wife" and that Haggard had also revealed a fantasy he had of having an orgy with "about six young college guys ranging from 18 to 22 in age." ^[25]

Jones claims Haggard had often used drugs in front of him,^[24] but he said he never actually sold drugs to Haggard but instead introduced him to someone he could purchase it from.

About two years ago he asked, "Hey, Mike, what do you know about meth? I don't do it personally, but I know people who do." I told him that some people think it enhances their sexual experience. He asked if I could help him get some. I located someone he could connect with. After that, he got it on his own. The last time he saw me, he was trying to get some and couldn't, which resulted in him sending me money through the mail in August, postmarked Colorado Springs. He wrote "Art" on the corner of the envelope. I just read that his middle name is Arthur....^[26]

Jones said he made his outing allegations against Haggard in response to Haggard's political support for a Colorado Amendment 43 on the November 7, 2006 Colorado ballot that would ban same-sex marriage in that state. Jones told ABC News, "I had to expose the hypocrisy. He is in the position of influence of millions of followers, and he's preaching against gay marriage. But behind everybody's back [he's] doing what he's preached against."^[25] Jones hoped that his statements would sway voters. ^[27]

Jones volunteered to take a polygraph test on a KHOW radio show hosted by Peter Boyles, where Jones first made the allegations. However, Jones' responses during the section of the polygraph test about whether he had engaged in sex with Haggard indicated deception. Haggard responded by saying "We're so grateful that he failed a polygraph test this morning, my accuser did." Jones was not asked questions about drug use. The test administrator expressed doubt about the accuracy of the test because of Jones's recent stress and resulting inability to eat or sleep. Jones says he doubts he will retake the test.^[28]

Voice analysis expert Richard Sanders has compared the voice of Haggard from a television interview to that of the voicemails released by Jones and announced preliminary results stating that the voice on the voicemail is most likely that of Haggard. According to an article from KUSA, "Sanders makes his decision by comparing the resonance of the voice, the play of one's tongue and the inflection of vowel sounds."^[29]

[edit] Rumors prior to the Jones allegations

Greg Montoya, editor of Out Front Colorado, a Denver GLBT newspaper, told the Colorado Springs Gazette that "rumors about Haggard's love life have circulated through Denver's gay community for the past year. 'But we didn't know it involved Mike Jones.'"^[30]

Montoya's disclosure was paralleled by Lou Sheldon, chairman of the anti-gay Traditional Values Coalition and a self-proclaimed friend of Haggard, who told New York's The Jewish Week that he and "a lot" of other people had been aware of Pastor Haggard's same-sex behavior "for awhile... but we weren't sure just how to deal with it.... Ted and I had a discussion. He said homosexuality is genetic. I said, no it isn't. But I just knew he was covering up. They need to say that." ^[31]

[edit] Response to allegations

Haggard initially claimed he had never heard of his accuser and denied having ever done drugs and stated "I have not, I have never had a gay relationship with anybody."^[32] Many evangelical leaders initially showed support for Haggard and were critical of media reports. James Dobson issued a news release stating, "It is unconscionable that the legitimate news media would report a rumor like this based on nothing but one man's accusation. Ted Haggard is a friend of mine and it appears someone is trying to damage his reputation as a way of influencing the outcome of Tuesday's election – especially the vote on Colorado's marriage-protection amendment – which Ted strongly supports."^[33]

Later however, Haggard resigned as president of the National Association of Evangelicals. ^[34] He went on administrative leave from his position as senior pastor of New Life Church, saying "I am voluntarily stepping aside from leadership so that the overseer process can be allowed to proceed with integrity. I hope to be able to discuss this matter in more detail at a later date. In the interim, I will seek both spiritual advice and guidance."^[35]

On November 2, 2006, senior church officials told Colorado Springs television station KKTV that Haggard has admitted to some of the claims made by Jones.^[36] In an e-mail to New Life Church parishioners sent on the evening of November 2, Acting Senior Pastor Ross Parsley wrote, "It is important for you to know that he [Haggard] confessed to the overseers that some of the accusations against him are true."^[37]

Haggard admitted on November 3 that he had purchased methamphetamine and received a massage from Jones, but he denied using the drugs or having sex with Jones. "I called him to buy some meth, but I threw it away. I bought it for myself but never used it." Haggard claimed in a radio interview, and added, "I was tempted, but I never used it."^[38]

As it became apparent that some of the claims were true, and that Haggard's denials were false, some evangelical leaders such as Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell sought to downplay Haggard's influence on religious conservatives and also deny that the NAE is very important." ^[39] On his television show, "The 700 Club" Robertson said, "We're sad to see any evangelical leader fall" and also said the claim that the NAE represents thirty million people "just isn't true... We can't get their financial data. I think it's because they have very little money and very little influence." During a CNN interview, Jerry Falwell would go on record saying, "[Haggard] doesn't really lead the movement. He's president of an association that's very loose-knit... and no one has looked to them for leadership."^[40] White House spokesman Tony Fratto sought to downplay Haggard's influence on the White House by saying that Haggard was only occasionally part of the weekly calls between evangelical leaders and the White House and had visited there only "a couple" of times.^[41]

James Dobson, however, issued another public statement saying he was "heartsick" of learning about Haggard's admissions and that "the possibility that an illicit relationship has occurred is alarming to us and to millions of others." He also stated that "[Haggard] will continue to be my friend, even if the worst allegations prove accurate" and "nevertheless, sexual sin, whether homosexual or heterosexual, has serious consequences."^[42]

[edit] Admission and removal from job

The "Overseer Board of New Life Church" released a prepared statement on the afternoon of November 4, 2006 that stated: "Our investigation and Pastor Haggard's public statements have proven without a doubt that he has committed sexually immoral conduct." The board cited the bylaws of the mega-church and said his conduct compelled them to remove him from his job.

During a New Life Church service on Sunday, November 5, 2006 another pastor read a letter from Haggard that stated:

	I am so sorry for the circumstances that have caused shame and embarrassment for all of you.... The fact is I am guilty of sexual immorality, and I take responsibility for the entire problem. I am a deceiver and a liar. There is a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I've been warring against it all of my adult life.... The accusations that have been leveled against me are not all true, but enough of them are true that I have been appropriately and lovingly removed from ministry.
	— Ted Haggard, letter to New Life Church [43]

Haggard went on to say that his removal was permanent, and that until a new senior pastor could be found, Ross Parsley, the Associate Senior Pastor, would hold that position.

Haggard is to be counseled by a team including Jack Hayford and Tommy Barnett who intend to "perform a thorough analysis of Haggard's mental, spiritual, emotional and physical life", including the use of polygraph tests .^[44] The team was to include James Dobson, who later stepped aside, citing time constraints.^[45]

Coast Guard mission to be retained with state and National Guard support

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Department State House Boston, MA 02133 (617) 725-4000 MITT ROMNEY GOVERNOR KERRY HEALEY LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 22, 2006 CONTACT: Eric Fehrnstrom Felix Browne (617) 725-4025 Scott Carr (USCG) (617) 223-8515 Win Danielson (NGMA) (508) 958-3187 ROMNEY, COAST GUARD, NATIONAL GUARD SIGN MMR AGREEMENT Coast Guard mission to be retained with state and National Guard support Governor Mitt Romney, National Guard Bureau Lieutenant General Steven Blum and U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Timothy Sullivan today signed a historic agreement that will allow the Coast Guard to maintain its presence at the Massachusetts Military Reservation despite the impending loss of a flying mission for the Massachusetts Air National Guard, which operates MMR's airfield. Beyond fulfilling its core missions of maritime safety and security from MMR, the Coast Guard currently provides housing that is open to all MMR tenants, operates the base infirmary and provides MedEvac service to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.  The 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission recommended realigning Otis Air National Guard Base and relocating the 102nd Air National Guard Fighter Wing.  In the absence of a flying mission for the 102nd Fighter Wing at MMR, the Coast Guard would, under the terms of the agreement, assume the cost of operating the MMR's runways, which they currently use at no cost. "Thanks to the combined efforts of a resourceful team, the Coast Guard's presence and mission on Cape Cod are secure," said Governor Romney.  "Continued airfield operations are also critical to the readiness and response capabilities of the Massachusetts National Guard as they work to train the Commonwealth's next generation of soldiers." "This agreement ensures that the Massachusetts National Guard will remain ready, accessible and available to answer the calls of the Governor and the President and to respond across the full spectrum of operations from domestic missions here at home to full scale combat operations overseas.  It is right for America, Massachusetts and the Guard," said Lieutenant General Blum, chief of the National Guard Bureau. "This Memorandum of Agreement enables the Coast Guard, Massachusetts National Guard and Commonwealth of Massachusetts to open a new chapter on the Massachusetts Military Reservation that allows us to continue our long-standing mutual cooperation and unity of effort with our partners well into the future," said Admiral Sullivan.  "This agreement enables the Coast Guard to most effectively serve mariners, boaters and the general public along the North Atlantic Coast by keeping our aircraft in the optimum staging point in the Northeast for airborne search and rescue and homeland security operations." "I welcome this agreement, which secures the Coast Guard's presence and serves as a foundation for the future of the Massachusetts Military Reservation," said Senator Edward Kennedy.  "We know the special importance of this base to our national security. We're all very grateful for the Coast Guard that patrols our shores and the Air Guard that patrols our skies." "The United States Coast Guard, the National Guard Bureau and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have forged an important alliance for the common good and the security of Massachusetts and our entire country," said Senator John Kerry. "I'm pleased that the hard work of our military leadership has concluded with the successful completion of this uniquely cooperative effort." "The BRAC report gives us real hope for Otis, the Coast Guard, our Air Guard and all the other vitally important missions at the Massachusetts Military Reservation," said Congressman William Delahunt.  "It is a reaffirmation of the critical importance of the base as a regional center for homeland security." Following the relocation of the 102nd Fighter Wing, the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Guard Bureau and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will jointly assume responsibility for base operations and management of the MMR as follows: Airfield Management: Within three months of the departure of the last Air National Guard aircraft, the Air Force will transfer the Otis airfield to the U.S. Coast Guard by means of a permit for its use and for use by others.  The Coast Guard will provide airfield management services at a level necessary to support Coast Guard operations.  Other tenants and state agencies would have access to the airfield on an as-needed basis. Utilities: The Air National Guard will operate and maintain electricity, water and sewer and telecommunications, much of which they currently provide. Emergency Services: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts will facilitate and ensure the maintenance, operation and support of a fully functional fire department at the MMR to provide fire and emergency services to local, state and federal users of the reservation. The agreement signed today will remain in effect for at least two years after the last of the 102nd Fighter Wing aircraft depart the air base, and continued partnership going forward will be dependent upon each party's agreement. For nearly 40 years, the National Guard Bureau, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have been key stakeholders and partners on the MMR.  Currently, the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, Otis Air National Guard Base, and Camp Edwards operate on nearly 20,000 acres of contiguous Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense land and facilities at the MMR.   ###

JACOB WEISBERG'S TIRESOME CONDESCENSION

David French, has a great article here http://www.evangelicalsformitt.org/front_page/jacob_weisbergs_tiresome_conde.php about "Jacob Weisberg's Tiresome Condescension" David says, "Hold on there, chief. Is it really true that mainstream Christianity and Judaism are acceptable only because we've turned "their myths into metaphor?" "On their face, these claims are pretty fantastic (and Mormons believe them too, by the way). And this illustrates a point we have long made here at EFM: if we evangelicals allow reasoning like this to derail the candidacy of a brilliant, faithful, man of integrity like Governor Romney, is there any assurance -- any assurance at all -- that the very same reasoning won't be turned on us?" This reminds me of a great line from "A Man For All Seasons": William Roper: So, now you give the Devil the benefit of law! Sir Thomas More: Yes! What would you do? Cut a great road through the law to get after the Devil? William Roper: Yes, I'd cut down every law in England to do that! Sir Thomas More: Oh? And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned 'round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat? This country is planted thick with laws, from coast to coast, Man's laws, not God's! And if you cut them down, and you're just the man to do it, do you really think you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then? Yes, I'd give the Devil benefit of law, for my own safety's sake! It also reminds me of this: First they came for the Communists, and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up, because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up, because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me. by Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945 Jews, Catholics, and Protestants everywhere that want to be judged as individuals not by religious bigotry need to stand up to religious bigots like Jacob Weisberg. Closet religious bigotry is one thing, but Jacob Weisberg is proud of the fact that he is willing to judge people by their religion, as apposed to on an individual basis. If you don't stand up for Mitt right to be judged on his individual accomplishments and characteristics, you will be judged that much more, because of what group you belong to. Click here for the article. ~~~Mike